CI-Mary-Elliott-gray-entryway_s4x3

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Too much space proved the challenge, and designer Elliott didn't want to go the typical route with a round table in the center, so she turned the area into a boutique-style hotel lobby with comfortable seating, warm materials, and some sparkle.

Eclectic Gray Entryway

Gray Textures and Materials

An existing mural, a large space, and a desire for a gray color scheme led designer Mary Elliott to think gray, metal, textures

From: Mary Elliot

Chic Furnishings

The chest fit into the gray palette the homeowner desired.

From: Mary Elliot

Mirror, Mirror

A starburst mirror adds sheen, drama, and a good place to check make-up and hair.

From: Mary Elliot

Tall Accents

Staying within the color scheme, led to a mix of textures; the vase emphasizes the room’s height.

From: Mary Elliot

What were the main items on the family's wish list?

Since this room is the first one visitors see upon entering the front door, our goal was to create a welcoming, impressive space that enhanced the architectural beauty of the house. In the foyer, the problems were the opening in the corner up to the second floor that needed the windows to be treated the same as the first floor windows. It is also pretty large for a foyer and needed furnishings but we didn’t want a typical round table in the center. Last but not least, there was an existing mural that had to be taken into consideration.

What was the single largest challenge you wanted to address?

The client wanted everything to be grey and reflect a more modern look than she had in the past. The walls were all painted in a neutral mural that is beautiful, so we didn't want to take away from that.

What was your biggest obstacle in this space?

This is a large space, and needed a couple of pieces that would make a statement without looking cluttered. Working with the neutral colors required the addition of textures and patterns that would not overwhelm the existing mural we wanted to keep.

How does the end result match up with your original vision?

Our biggest challenge was finding a chest that would compliment the pieces we already had in the foyer and dining room and which would be large enough to look proportionally right for the space.

How does that impact the way you would approach a similar project?

Grey is not a color that I personally would choose to live with. I was challenged when my client told me, "I want everything grey!" I am very happy with the end results of our project. I added texture with the fabrics in the rug, window treatments, and chairs. We used mixed metals in the accessories on the chest and a bold star burst mirror that makes a big statement. In he future when designing neutral rooms, I will focus on the addition of exciting accessories to enhance the design.

What are the hidden gems?

The existing mural isn't exactly hidden, but it was a major influence in our design.